Reviews
I highly recommend Tamara, who is one of the most amazing trainers I’ve had the pleasure of coming across. She is professional, knowledgeable, and has done wonders for both my horse and children. She was patient and firm with both my Appaloosa and my kids – both of which are stubborn and difficult to work with at times. My Appaloosa spent 90 days in training and came back a reformed member of horse society. I really can’t say enough good things about Tamara or her business, beat the odds training. One thousand percent recommend to anyone looking for a trainer!
Heather Dempsey
Tamara and Beat the Odds Training were recommended by our veterinarian. My skills were rusty after many years away from riding, and I had recently adopted a young and very green OTTB. When it became apparent that I was going to need professional help to bring him along, I reached out to Tamara. During our first call she didn’t tell me about her riding accomplishments, instead, we discussed her barn/horse management philosophies and her teaching style. I visited her barn and watched her with several students before deciding that she was our trainer. Best decision I’ve ever made. Tamara started me on her lesson horses while she began training my horse. In a short period of time, I was up and on my horse with Tamara helping us both advance. The board and train agreement we have is worth every penny. Tamara teaches my horse and then me. Tamara is a skilled teacher but is also a lifelong learner. She has her own trainers to challenge her, and she studies teaching methods from across many disciplines (including golf!) to increase her effectiveness. Tamara’s barn is busy with lessons for children to senior adults (that’s me!), training, cleaning, and feeding but has the best and most Zen vibe. I feel very lucky to have found Tamara and Beat the Odds Training!
Laura Otten
Amazingly powerful and sweet energy comes out of this petite lady, Coach Tamara! Born with an authentic love for horseback riding lessons, equipped with her calm and concise teaching skills, my adult son with autism expresses his joyous smiles the whole time while riding the beautiful horse. We are abundantly blessed to be able to get these training from Coach Tamara and always longing for having a next one with her, such a joy of life!
Hyelan Park
Tamara is extremely knowledgeable and professional. When you are with her you can tell she genuinely loves what she’s doing, that love translates to her riders. She is patient and thorough and doesn’t miss any steps in ensuring her riders are safe, well-instructed and master all necessary steps before progressing. I am 100% certain that my child is safe, learning horsemanship, perseverance and gaining a love, passion and respect for riding and horses. This is all thanks to Tamara. My daughter loves her and riding! We wholeheartedly and highly recommend her as an instructor.
Sandra Chetelat
I can’t tell you what a blessing it was to find Tamara Zerbo. She is a professional horseman 100%. My daughter has been riding with her for a year now and started with zero experience. Tamara has taught her, not only to ride, but also all the aspects of owning a horse including barn maintenance, and Horse heI can’t tell you what a blessing it was to find Tamara Zerbo. She is a professional horseman 100%. My daughter has been riding with her for year now and started with zero experience. Tamara has taught her, not only to ride, but also all the aspects of owning a horse including barn maintenance, and Horse care. She is gentle, yet strong. She knows how to work with children of all ages. My daughter has grown tremendously as an equestrian under her guidance. I highly recommend taking lessons from Tamara, because not only are you receiving amazing quality riding lessons but you’re also receiving them from an amazing human being.
Marialys G
Tamara has been riding and training my horse for the last 3 going on 4 years. She has brought him up the levels of eventing, caring for any set back he encountered as a green OTTB and always bringing him into the best version of himself he can be. She always seeks out further education through her mentors and I thoroughly enjoy watching her and my horse work together through the sport of eventing. My horse is now successfully competing at training level and Tamara has given several of her students the opportunity to gain some mileage and confidence at the Beginner Novice level and Novice. My horse is well behaved, confident, and happy to do his job, thanks to Tamara and her dedication to what’s best for the horse. She has proven to be reliable, diligent, and committed to horsemanship.
Claire Firebaugh
We had an OTTB warhorse right off the track that we sent to Beat The Odds (BTO) for training. Tamara not only worked with the horse, but also *included* my daughter in his training. The training was *exactly* what this difficult gelding needed. The care he received as well as the training while at BTO was *exceptional*. Tamara *invests* not only into the horse and rider while there but continues once they return home. We are *grateful* for all Tamara and BTO have done for our horse and also continues to do for my daughter as a rider!! *Highly recommend* BTO and Tamara for training both horse and rider!
Amy West
There are individuals whose technical skills coupled with their personal attributes make them ideally suited for their chosen profession. Tamara is just such a person. Her love of horses is ingrained in her. So too is her passion for continuous learning and instruction. Besides consistently endeavoring to improve her own skills, she possesses the innate ability to pass on her knowledge to her students.
A naturally positive and patient person, Tamara creates a rewarding training environment wherein the student can advance at a pace that is right for them. Additionally, Tamara’s facility has everything a rider will ever need to advance in their chosen riding style.
I conclude by saying that over the years I have worked with a number of trainers, and I can say without reservation that Tamara is at the top of my list.
Dario Marquez
Vienna, Virginia
Tamara is the horse whisperer! She did an amazing job with our anxious OTTB gelding, and turned him into a confident, beautiful sport horse in a shockingly short time. She is brave, honest and kind, and can be trusted in her business agreements. She will not take advantage of you or try to hide anything from you, and she truly has your best interests at heart when she is working with you. I strongly recommend you talk to her if you have a horse that needs training or one that needs some polish before it is ready for sale!
Laura Hammond
I cannot recommend Tamara, Head Trainer at Beat the Odds Training, enough. Her transparency, reliability, and enthusiasm made the entire purchasing process (from viewing to pre-purchase examination to delivery) extraordinarily smooth and straightforward. Everything was made stress free and simple from start to finish, even keeping in touch after Aspen has arrived at his new home to see how he was adjusting. As a first-time horse owner, I asked countless questions prior to and following Aspen’s purchase – Tamara has never once hesitated in providing thoughtful responses and offering helpful recommendations uniquely tailored to Aspen. After years of wondering when to take the leap from lessons to horse ownership, I am so grateful to have taken this next step with the Beat the Odds Training team!
Alexa Williams
